A Beautiful Ripple Effect

Food for Thought is a new column on A Beautiful Ripple Effect! It is written by nutrition + inspiration guru extraordinaire Whitney Ahneman. The column will be published every other Monday! Check out Whitney’s introduction video about the series in this post!

You Are What You Eat, Literally

I’m sure we’ve all heard that phrase many a time.  In fact, if I had a dime for every time my mom told me that I’m going to ‘turn into kettle corn one of these days’ I’d be a rich woman.  I never really thought about it’s meaning; instead it has always served as a stock phrase in my life that went in one ear and out the other.

Well, upon hearing this saying recently, I got to thinking about it this time around.  You are what you eat. What a funny saying, and how scarily accurate.  The food that one consumes is quite literally the building blocks for cells in the body.  We get amino acids from protein, the very amino acids that go on to become enzymes and hormones that circulate our body.  We get glucose from carbohydrates, which goes on to provide energy to the muscles that allow us to move and the brain that allows us to think.  We get lipids from fats, these lipids go on to aid in cell synthesis and help us to absorb vitamins.  Sorry for the mini biology lesson, but I find linking food to the human metabolism on such a small scale to be quite fascinating.

You are what you eat. While those five little words are often turned into a joke, or said in passing, it is important to remember that food supplies more than just calories. It gives us the building blocks on a micro level to build and maintain a healthy body and a clear mind.

Take Action!

I challenge you to think about how your own eating and hydration habits serve your cells or your organs.  Thinking about food on this level is actually quite refreshing.

Quick note: Remember that it’s the overall pattern of intake, not individual meals or foods that give rise to your total diet.  You’ll never hear me demonize any one food or restaurant.  Healthful eating demands balance.

… What do you think? Are YOU What You Eat? Do you accept the challenge? Let’s meet in the comments and chat about this topic!

If you enjoy this topic, be sure to check out my first Food For Thought post published two weeks ago: Food For Thought: Oh Breakfast, Where Art Thou?. (includes a free PDF!)

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Food for Thought is a new column on A Beautiful Ripple Effect! It is written by nutrition + inspiration guru extraordinaire Whitney Ahneman. The column will published every other Monday! Check out Whitney’s introduction video about the series in this post!

I think it’s most appropriate to start off Food for Thought just as I begin every day… with breakfast.  Often touted as the most important meal of the day, it is the meal that allows you to start off on the right foot.  Breakfast is a time for your body to fuel up for the day.  With the introduction of food into your system, your metabolism kicks into gear and supplies nutrients to the body and brain.  This is why research shows that children who eat a healthy breakfast often perform better and stay focused in school.

So what does a healthy breakfast constitute?  Your best bet is a whole grain, some lean protein, and a little bit of healthy fat.  Mixing these three macro-nutrients is important because they work in synergy with one another to fill you up and provide energy for a longer period of time.  Plus, there are a multitude of combinations to enjoy! It is important to make conscious and nutrient packed decisions when shopping for this meal.

The notion of waking up to prepare breakfast often doesn’t sit well with people for a number of reasons.  Well, I believe it’s time to tackle some of these issues to get more people on board with this healthy habit.

–> Not hungry? Start off with 100% fruit juice, a small piece of fruit, or a slice of whole wheat toast.  Prepare for later on in the morning so that you don’t find yourself grabbing something that may be unhealthy by bringing yogurt, string cheese, a whole wheat english muffin egg sandwich, or granola.

–> No time? While grocery shopping consider quick or easy to grab foods such as whole grain toaster options (bread, waffles, english muffins), healthy cereals and low fat milk, instant oatmeal, or yogurt.  Think ahead and prepare the night before by cutting fruit and portioning cereal/granola into little baggies to take as you run out the door.

–> Don’t enjoy breakfast foods? Straying from “typical breakfast” items is completely fine, just try to stick to the nutrition principles.  Prepare a turkey or peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread, pack spreadable low-fat cheese with whole grain crackers, or portion a little bit of last night’s dinner if you enjoy morning leftovers.

–> Nervous about weight gain? Eating a healthy breakfast can help you avoid unplanned snacking on high calorie and convenience foods.  Research has shown that skipping meals can lead to nutritionally poor snacks and weight gain.

Food For Thought: Discover and Take Action!

How do you feel about breakfast?  Do you find yourself thinking about how you start your day?  Try to be conscious of your breakfast routine over the next couple of days and you’ll discover your own attitudes and habits. That process of discovery is the start of cognizant nutrition and health.

Free Download: Breakfast Ideas PDF

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Giveaway Recipient: Leslie! Congratulations, Leslie, you will receive a copy of the latest cookbook by Real Simple editors, Real Simple Best Recipes: Easy, Delicious Meals.